According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, there were 21 arrests connected to the event last year. This year, across all agencies, was down to 8. That number included Boating Under the Influence and 1 person arrested for battery on a law enforcement office.

It doesn’t get more Florida than a boater skip day. Thousands took to the water Friday to participate in the event on the St. Johns River.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging everyone to enjoy the day, but emphasizes the importance of safety.

Thousands of people are spending Friday on the St. Johns River for Boater Skip Day. It is the "unofficial" holiday where people play hooky for a fun day on the water.

Hundreds of boaters and community members will head to Bayard Point on Friday for Clay County’s “Boater Skip Day.”

Hundreds hit the St. Johns River on Friday for “Boater Skip Day,” an unofficial annual holiday where people play hooky for a day on the water.

Many people hit the St. Johns River on Friday for “Boater Skip Day,” an unofficial annual holiday where people play hooky for a day on the water.

People hit the St. Johns River on Friday for “Boater Skip Day,” an unofficial annual holiday where people play hooky for a day on the water.

to Boater Skip Day, an event planned on Facebook. Instead of suiting up and heading into work, boaters plan to launch their boats and head to the Bayard Point sandbar to anchor and spend the day. The Green Cove Springs Police Department posted a shot of their marine team in a facebook post about the event:The Palms Fish Camp restaurant posted the proclamation signed by Lenny Curry designating Boater Skip Day as an official event:BOATERS SKIP DAY is this Friday June 5th. Thats right folks skip day has been legitimized as a Jax thing. Mayor... Posted by Palms Fish Camp Restaurant on Tuesday, June 2, 2020And well leave you with video from 2019s Boater Skip Day from News4JAXs Sky4 Chopper: